Congressman
Brian Higgins was joined by New York State Department of Transportation Regional
Director Darrell Kaminski to announce ongoing progress on more than $4.2
million in projects designed to improve public access and recreational
opportunities along Buffalo's Outer Harbor.

"A
lot of attention, rightly, is focused on the great destination we have at
Canalside, but simultaneously we are seeing a grand evolution along the Outer
Harbor as well," Higgins said. "Three years ago, most people
couldn't even find the Outer Harbor or find a reason to come here. Today
there are many reasons to visit, ranging from bike paths to fishing piers,
nature preserves and Buffalo's historic lighthouse."

DOT
Commissioner Joan McDonald said, "These projects, as part of a comprehensive
set of transportation improvements along Buffalo's Outer Harbor, will provide
additional recreational opportunities and help boost local economic activity.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has shown his commitment to bolstering community
renewal through infrastructure improvements such as these."

The
latest projects currently under construction and recently completed include:

Tifft
Street Pier

Located along the
Outer Harbor Parkway/Fuhrmann Boulevard at the foot of Tifft Street, the site
will feature a steel ribbon walkway leading to an observation pier covered by a
canopy. Planks will connect a floating dock to the pier to allow people
to get closer to the water. Decks with landscaping and seating areas will
line the shore.

Work is underway
and set for completion in October.

Industrial Heritage Trail

Located along the
Outer Harbor Parkway/Fuhrmann Boulevard just north of the Ohio Street intersection,
the trail will include a bicycle and pedestrian path lined with granite.

Work is underway
and set for completion in July.

Lake Kirsty Pier

Located at the
entranceway to Tifft Nature Preserve, a large wooden pier extends into Lake
Kirsty

This was completed
in 2012.

Work
on the three projects is being conducted by Niagara Falls contractor Mark
Cerrone Inc., and administered by the DOT. The projects are among several
"node" or pocket park projects planned for during the design phase on the
Fuhrmann Boulevard/Outer Harbor Parkway reconstruction.

Higgins
pointed out the projects are among a number of improvements along the Outer
Harbor and Buffalo River, which have taken place over the last three years
totaling $124 million in investments.